TORONTO -- Actor and philanthropist Michael J. Fox on Friday received the Order of Canada for his contribution to the arts and Parkinson’s disease research.

Fox, who grew up in Canada before cementing his Hollywood career with star-turns in Family Ties and the Back to the Future movie franchise, received the honor from Governor General David Johnston in Ottawa.

"Being Canadian is intrinsic to who I am," five-time Emmy award-winner Fox, who is semi-retired from acting as he raises money and awareness for Parkinson’s disease, told the CTV TV news network before receiving his tribute.

The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research now has charitable status in Canada, enabling Canadian researchers to join in Fox's hunt for a cure to the disease.